Scripture Passage
Scripture Focus
If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)
Observation
There are many ways in which the commands of Scripture call us to be more generous and compassionate towards others than we’ve been willing to recognize. For example, Jesus said, “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. …Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” (Matt 5:40, 42 NLT)? While I confess—I’m not willing to argue for a fully-literal-in-every-case interpretation of those commands—I also think we’re not above ignoring commands like those altogether.
Likewise, there are many ways in which the commands of Scripture call us to be more confrontational and decisive with others than we’ve been willing to recognize. That’s the case here, I think. Paul gives clear instruction to Titus:
If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)
Yet, when have you seen that? “Three strikes and you're out!” Rather than take God's Word seriously, churches endure all sorts of misshapen relationships and malformed connections because we don’t want anybody to leave. Paul doesn’t wait for ‘em to leave—he sends ‘em away!
Apparently some things are more important than keeping everybody happy.
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Sorry to come a bit late to the game.
ReplyDeleteThe Matthew passage you are referencing is what Gandhi called "weak pacifism" (Using passive resistance to harm your enemies) vs what "Strong pacifism" (Using passive resistance to prevent harm).
In this example if Jesus tells you to give your coat too, it is not generous, but to make the person who sued you look like a tyrant. harming his image.
In the case of the Roman solider there were strict rules stating how far you you could force someone to carry your pack. Any more and the solider was whipped for disobedience.